As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow in my kitchen, the rich aroma of chiles and spices filled the air, transporting me to the heart of Mexico. I had been on a quest to recreate that unforgettable flavor of traditional mole, but the intricate processes often left me feeling overwhelmed. That’s when I discovered Mole Sencillo—a simple yet sumptuous take on the classic dish that requires just ten ingredients!
This recipe captures the essence of mole while remaining beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to impress their friends and family with an authentic taste that seems far more complex. The velvety texture and delightful sweetness of this mole are perfect for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you prefer to serve it over roasted chicken or drizzled on grilled vegetables, each bite is a journey into the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. Let’s dive into this deliciously easy Mole Sencillo and elevate your home-cooking game!
Why is Mole Sencillo a Must-Try?
Easy to Make: With just ten ingredients, this recipe simplifies traditional mole into an approachable dish even novice cooks can master.
Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of smoky chiles, rich chocolate, and spices delivers a mouthwatering depth that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Versatile: Whether you drizzle it over roasted meats or grilled veggies, Mole Sencillo transforms any meal into a gourmet experience.
Crowd Pleaser: Impress friends and family with an authentic taste that’s sure to be the highlight of your gatherings!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Enjoy the convenience of prepping this delicious mole in advance, storing it for up to a week or freezing for later indulgence.
Cultural Experience: Dive into the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine with a dish that’s both traditional and adaptable, honoring the flavors that tell a story.
Mole Sencillo Ingredients
For the Mole Base
- Chiles – Provide depth and heat; you can swap guajillo or pasilla chiles 1:1 by weight for a personalized touch.
- Almonds or Pecans – Add richness and creaminess; feel free to use peanuts instead for a budget-friendly twist.
- Sesame Seeds – Contribute nuttiness and texture; any variety of seeds can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio for versatility.
- Tomato – Creates a base flavor; char it for enhanced sweetness and complexity.
- Onion – Balances flavors and adds sweetness; charring also brings out a savory depth.
For the Flavoring
- Garlic – Offers aromatic warmth; fresh garlic brings the best fragrance to the mole.
- Sugar – Balances out the heat from the chiles, enhancing the dish’s overall depth.
- Dark Chocolate – Adds richness and a deep, complex flavor; the darker the chocolate, the bolder the taste!
- Lard or Neutral Oil – Used for frying; lard gives a meaty flavor, whereas neutral oil provides a great vegan option.
- Water or Vegetable Stock – Essential for blending the mole; using vegetable stock elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
Now you’re equipped with all the essentials to whip up your flavorful Mole Sencillo. Happy cooking!
How to Make Mole Sencillo
- Char Vegetables: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Char the onion and tomato until they’re blackened on all sides, about 12-14 minutes. This enhances their flavors beautifully!
- Fry Chiles and Nuts: In a separate pan, heat the lard or oil until hot. Fry the chiles until they become fragrant, then add the animal crackers followed by the nuts, frying until golden brown.
- Stew Mixture: In a large pot, combine the charred veggies, salt, sugar, and water or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend: Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth. This step will make your mole velvety!
- Re-fry Mole: In the same pot, reheat a bit of lard, then add the blended mole. Cook over medium heat until it thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir in the dark chocolate until fully melted.
- Serve: Season with additional salt or sugar to taste, then serve your luscious mole over roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch!
Optional: Consider adding a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Mole Sencillo Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to elevate your Mole Sencillo by adding your own unique twists and swaps that cater to your taste!
- Nut-Free: Substitute nuts with sunflower seeds for a deliciously creamy texture without allergy concerns.
- Vegan: Use vegetable oil instead of lard to keep this recipe 100% vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra ancho or chipotle chiles for a smoky heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Sweet Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a delightful sweetness that balances the heat.
- Herbaceous Improvement: Stir in fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch to your mole.
- Smoky Flavor: Try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or using smoked chocolate for an intense flavor boost.
- Fruit Infusion: Blend in some chopped dried apricots or raisins for a fruity hint that complements the spiciness beautifully.
- Cocoa Variants: Experiment with using milk chocolate instead of dark for a smoother, sweeter flavor profile that feels indulgent.
With these variations, you’ll make your Mole Sencillo a reflection of your culinary creativity!
How to Store and Freeze Mole Sencillo
Fridge: Store your Mole Sencillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This allows the flavors to deepen and develop further!
Freezer: If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, freeze the mole in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen mole overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
Reheating: Reheat thoroughly on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and velvety again. If necessary, you can add a splash of water or vegetable stock to reach your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Mole Sencillo?
Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that complement the rich and smoky flavors of this easy mole!
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Creamy Polenta: The smoothness of polenta acts as a perfect base, soaking up the mole’s bold sauce while adding a lovely, comforting texture.
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Cilantro Rice: Fragrant and fresh, this rice dish brings out the vibrant tastes of the mole, making every bite a celebration of flavor and aroma.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn provides a delightful contrast to the rich sauce of the mole, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables adds a smoky char and natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with Mole Sencillo’s complex flavors.
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Black Beans: Silky black beans offer a hearty side, perfectly balancing the richness of the mole with their earthiness and protein-packed goodness.
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Tortilla Chips: For a fun appetizer, serve crispy tortilla chips with a side of mole for dipping. The crunch and bold flavors create a wonderful contrast.
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Margaritas: A refreshing lime margarita adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness, making every sip a delightful complement to your meal.
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Flan: Finish off your meal on a sweet note with a traditional flan. Its creamy texture and caramel notes harmonize beautifully with the mole’s rich, savory elements.
Helpful Tricks for Mole Sencillo
- Perfect Charring: Make sure to char the vegetables well; this deepens the flavor and adds a wonderful smokiness to your mole Sencillo.
- Timing Matters: Let the blended mole sit for a few minutes before re-frying; it allows flavors to meld and intensify for an even richer taste.
- Pour with Care: When transferring the hot blended mole to the pan, do it slowly to avoid splatter, which can create a mess and may burn you.
- Keep it Velvety: Ensure you blend the mixture until completely smooth; a chunky mole won’t have the desired luxurious texture!
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the salt and sugar after cooking; since each ingredient can vary in intensity, don’t shy away from tailoring it to your preference.
- Storage Savvy: If you plan to make this Mole Sencillo ahead of time, remember to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Make Ahead Options
Mole Sencillo is perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time during the week! You can prepare the mole base up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply char the vegetables, fry the chiles and nuts, stew the mixture, and blend as directed, then let it cool before refrigerating. For the best flavor, allow the mole to sit overnight to let the flavors develop. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the mole in a pot on medium heat until it’s warm, then stir in the chocolate until melted for that rich, velvety finish. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll have delicious Mole Sencillo ready to impress your family without the last-minute hassle!
Mole Sencillo Recipe FAQs
What type of chiles should I use for Mole Sencillo?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, guajillo or pasilla chiles are commonly used in this recipe. You can easily swap them at a 1:1 ratio by weight if you prefer one over the other, ensuring you still capture that smoky depth essential to mole.
How should I store Mole Sencillo after making it?
Very simple! Store your Mole Sencillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even further, making it taste even better than on the first day!
Can I freeze Mole Sencillo? If so, how?
Yes, yes! To freeze, simply let the mole cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, taking care to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to use it, thaw the mole overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
What if my mole is too thick after cooking?
No worries at all! If your mole ends up too thick, you can easily fix that. Just add a splash of water or vegetable stock to the pot while reheating it on medium-low heat. Stir until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed!
Are there any dietary considerations with Mole Sencillo?
Certainly! This mole is gluten-free and can be made vegan by substituting lard with a neutral oil. If you’re using store-bought chocolate, make sure it’s free of milk or dairy ingredients to accommodate vegan diets. Always check the labels for allergies!
Can pets eat Mole Sencillo?
Mole Sencillo should not be shared with pets, particularly because it contains ingredients like onions and garlic, both of which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always consult your vet for specifics regarding your furry friends!
Mole Sencillo: Simple, Flavorful Comfort for Home Cooks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Char the onion and tomato in a skillet over medium heat until blackened, about 12-14 minutes.
- Heat lard or oil in a separate pan, fry chiles until fragrant, then add nuts and fry until golden.
- In a large pot, combine charred veggies, salt, sugar, and water or stock. Boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Blend the mixture until smooth to create velvety mole.
- Reheat a bit of lard, add blended mole, cook until thickened, then stir in dark chocolate.
- Season to taste and serve over roasted chicken or grilled vegetables, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.